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In another setback for the union, Slater sided with the USPTO on the issue of “last-chance” meetings—discussions between employees and management about potential terminations. The union sought automatic notification for these meetings, but Slater concluded this would create an "unjustified burden" on the agency. The decision marked another key loss for Chapter 245, which now faces an uphill battle in securing more influence over internal discussions.

Lingering Disputes Over Expired Contract

These disputes arose in negotiations over Article 9 of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which outlines the union’s rights. Though the current CBA expired at the end of 2020, it remains in effect while the parties hammer out the details of a successor contract. The issues at hand remain unresolved, casting uncertainty over the next steps in what has become a protracted battle for influence over workplace conditions.

USPTO Attorney Union Bid : Legal Representation and Reaction

As the dust settles, both the USPTO and NTEU have kept a low profile, declining to comment on the ruling. The USPTO is represented by Portia Robinson, while the union’s in-house attorney, Jack Jarrett, spearheaded the case.

Though the arbitrator’s ruling denies the union pre-execution settlement review, it underscores the evolving tensions between federal agencies and their workers over labor rights. For now, the USPTO has staved off a significant shift in how it handles attorney work conditions, but the saga is far from over.